Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Events

Panel: Jane Jacobs and the Future of New York: A Civic Activist Boot Camp: Working Within and Without the System

JJ_web_logo.jpg

Jane Jacobs was not beholden to any strategy for making change happen. And today, the complexity of the city and its needs are such that activists also employ a diversity of approaches. While some embrace the protest and resistance models that Jacobs used to oppose the Lower Manhattan Expressway, others focus on effecting social, cultural and political change while working within existing structures.

In the spirit of Jane Jacobs, this panel not only will explore ways to open up urban planning processes, it will detail concrete ways that individuals can acquire the tools necessary to make their voices heard. Participants will outline ways to make stands, including basic organization, media relations, community relations, government relations, and the use of legal action.

    • Richard Kahan, Urban Assembly — moderator
    • Alexie Torres-Fleming, Southern Bronx Watershed River Alliance / Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice
    • Reverend Billy, Church of Stop Shopping
    • Joshua David, Friends of the High Line
    • Marshall Brown, Atlantic Yards Development Workshop

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

BREAKING: Brooklyn Judge Dismisses Court St. Bike Lane Lawsuit

Justice Inga O'Neale dismissed the lawsuit by the Court Street Merchants Association.

January 12, 2026

‘It’s About Execution’: Mamdani Deputy Mayor Slams Adams for ‘Interference’ With Bus Projects

The Mamdani administration revived a Madison Avenue bus lane project that officials said was stalled by the previous mayor's team.

January 12, 2026

Parking-Obsesssed West Side Community Board Snubs Ask For Loading Zone

Parking continues to reign supreme on the Upper West Side.

January 12, 2026

Unlicensed Drivers Comprise One-Quarter Of Street Fatalities: Data

Unlicensed drivers are now responsible for one-quarter of road fatalities — and are linked to fatal crashes much more often now than pre-pandemic, a new Streetsblog analysis shows.

January 12, 2026

Monday’s Headlines: Red Means Stop Edition

We're getting more red light cameras! Plus other news.

January 12, 2026

Friday’s Headlines: From Hero to Zero Edition

Mayor Mamdani's sympathy for cyclists over the Williamsburg Bridge has yet to trickle down to his NYPD. Plus more news.

January 9, 2026
See all posts